Football match honours tragic Leeds car crash victim

Jonathan Brown

When David Thompson was involved in a serious car crash last year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) were straight on the scene to help him.

Helicopter crews airlifted the 35-year-old to Leeds General Infirmary, where hospital teams worked around the clock to give him medical care.

Mr Thompson, of Smithy Lane, Tingley, tragically died from his injuries on May 13 - a month after the crash on the A650 Wrenthorpe Bypass in April last year.

His friends, family and colleagues rallied together in the weeks after his death to raise thousands of pounds for the YAA, which they say gave him “a fighting chance”.

And they will come together to support the charity again this year, with a football match in Mr Thompson’s memory.

Dave Taylor, who grew up with Mr Thompson and went on to work with him at Reco Hoist in Sheffield, said: “The YAA were there at the scene straight away for Dave.

“Without them, he wouldn’t have even had a fighting chance.

“We wanted to do something to remember Dave and the good times and to raise as much money as we can for the charity. We hope this will be a fun day to bring the community together.”

Mr Thompson’s friends, family and colleagues will play in the match on Sunday, May 22,

There will also be stalls and family entertainment including a bouncy castle, face painting, tombola and bucking bronco ride.

The event begins at noon at West Yorkshire Sports and Social Club in Sandal.

And there will be a two minute silence to remember David.

Last month, Mr Thompson’s loved ones made a 550 mile journey from Ferrybridge services to the Nurburgring in Germany. They drove in memory of car fanatic Mr Thompson, who visited the motor sports complex every year.